Vegetable dicer



, Oct. 28, 1941. K. wf MEsTERToN 2,261,095

Y VEGETABLE DICER Filed June 12,'1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 L l `INVENTOR funo WMeserf-on ATTORNEYS Oct. 28,1941. .I K. w. MEs'rERToN 2,261,095

'VEGETABLE DICER Filed June 12, i940 v v 4 sheets-sheet 4 Hy. .f5

INVENToR f Kal/70 h//Veffc//l BYIZ@ Wsw ATTORNEYS.

Patented Oct. 28, 1941 l 15 ClaimS.

This invention relates to improvements in vegetable diclers 4and has foranobject the provision of a device which includes a rotor for first scor-- ing a vegetable and then cutting oi the scored portion to form dice.

Another object ofthe'invention is the provi` sion in a vegetable dicerf of av scorer whichV is rotated and at 'the same time reciprocated to produce a substantially straight score in the vegetable. 1 v` A further object of the invention is thefprovision ina vegetable dicer of a rotor carrying a plurality of groups of scoring knives, thescoring knives in one group being disposed angularly With respect to the axis of the cylinder, 'andi the scoring knives in the other group being disposed at a diierent angle with respect to the axis of the cylinder. -The .scoring knives in the rst group are adapted to produce a plurality of substantially parallel scores in a` vegetable whenv such cylinder is rotatedk and is moving axially at the saine time; vand saidsecond group of knives being adapted to score the 4vegetable along a-l plurality of lines angularly with respect to the first-men#-y tioned' scoring while said cylinder is rotated and moving axially 'inthe opposite direction. Still another object of the invention is the pr0 vision in a vegetable dicerY of a cylinder carrying aflrstr scoring means adapted to score the vegef tablewhen thecylinder is being rotated and `is moving 'axially in one direction, the provision of a second group of scoringA knivesadapted tofscore the vegetable angularly with respect to the iirst scoring when said cylinder is being rotated' and movedV axially toward itsrinitialv axial position, and the provision-of acutter -forcutting ofi the scored portion of said VegetabIeaitersad cylinyderhasreturned to its initial axial-position; l g "A further object of the invention isi the provi#- sion in a vegetable dicer cfa removable cylinder carrying Scorilleknveis .and a cutter: e.

` A further objectj ozflvthe inventionis the provi--v Y' sion in avvegetablediceryof the character` deg scribed in which meansfisprovided for causing the icylinderfto rotatewithout axial movements.

f `@ther Qbiects of the inventioniwill beapparent to those-skilled in theiart. y y

Referringvto the drawings- ..v i r Figure 1 is a cross sectional' elevation ofV one dicer, showingy the cylinder after the samehas movediongitudinauy toits outermost position;`

rFigure 2 is an end elevation of theY device shown (or, 14d-#73) Figure 3 is.a cross sectional elevation similar toV Figure 1 kwith thezexception that the devicel is set tovprevent axialmovement ofthe cylinder;

Figurevl is a sectional elevationof the device 5 shown in Fguref; taken along. the line Il A-AA;v

Figure 5 is a main view of. the device shown in Figure 1, as viewed from the drive end; Figure 6 isla plan View of one groupoofk scoring knives;` 1

Figurey 7 isa plan view. ofA the other group of scoring knives; Y.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary view in section show.- ing a .ball engaging the groove for causing the cylindertorecprocate axiallyv in accordance with the formv of thegroove;

Figure9 is a'view'similar to Figure 8, showing the ball. released from the. groove;

Figure 10 is a 'fragmentary plan view` as seen along the line lOl-I0 of Figure 9;-

Figurefll is-Aa sectional view of' armodication of the! device depictingan alternative arrangement for disabling the oscillating mechanism;

Figure 12 is' an end view of the modication shown inVt Figure 11;

i' Figure 13 is an elevation 0f severalof thescor ing" blades 61 as shown along the line |3-I3 in Figure 6; l,

Figure" I14-is a view of several ofthe scoring bladess'llvas-viewed along the line I4I4 of Fig- 3 5 form rofscoring blade assembly.

l-Refer'ringto Figure! 1=, the vrdevice is lcontained withinfa casing generallyA indicated` by the numeral 211. The end wall 2`l of the casing carries a'bearingf'Zl, in which the shaft 23 isfjournaled.

40 The shaft 23v has a kshoulder portion 24 which bears against the bearing 22. Acylindrical member-251 is secured to the end wall 2 I- and a web 26 formed` tl-ie'reinY carries a' bushing bearing 21 supports the shaft 23 at a point spaced f'apar't from "the bearingyZ-Z. The stationarycylinderA 25-'h asa continuous groove l28 formed therein?. j'lhisgroove may be of any desired shape-and' is*pu'oyided for causingv longitudinal or' axial movement o ff'thecu-ttercylinder, for the purpose y of scoringfvegetables,V as y will presently ybe d e.- embodiment of `the new and' improved vegetablel scriloed;` A t o A follower cylindrical member 29hasajcylin.- qrlioal portion so, thejiotorior of which mayV forml afworkingft' with' the exterior Surface of the stationaryfcylinder*251 'AL radial flange -3Ijxnayj be formed integral with the cylinder 30 at one end thereof. At the other end, the cylinder 30 is provided with a closure wall 32 having a boss 33 formed integral therewith and projecting outwardly from the cylinder 30. An extension 338L of the boss 33 projects inwardly from the wall 32. The boss 33 and its extension 33a are bored out to form a bore 34 which forms a working fit on the shaft 23.- The bore 34 terminates at an end ,wall 35 of the boss 33 so that no oil or other lubricant can come in contact with any of the vegetables being cut. l

A longitudinal groove 36 is formed in the shaft 23, and this groove is engaged by a ball 31 ywhich forms in effect a key. An extension boss 38 shaft by any suitable means, for example by means of a set screw 58.

The wall 32 of the cylinder 30 carries a plurality of headed studs 59, by means of which attachments may be secured thereto.

By way of example, a dicer cylinder 60 is shown mounted on the wall or head 32. This cutter cylinder consists of a cylinder proper 6| with an inwardly extending annularv web 62. The web 52 is provided with a plurality of holes 53 of a suitable diameter to clear the heads of the studs 59. Each hole 63 has extending therefrom a slot v 64, of a Width tting the diameter of the shank A- portion-of the headed studs 59 so that when the formed integral with the boss 33 'and the lwall 32, has a radial hole 39 which. isthreaded to accommodate a set screw 40. By means of the set screw 4|), the ball 3l may be retained in working engagement with the groove 35.

The cylinder 39, within an area adjacent the ange 3|.,` isv provided with a boss 4|.` This boss (referring to Figures 8, 9 and 10 which show enlarged sections) is provided with a radial hole 42 in which a ball 43 may freely move. A slot formed in the boss 4| adjacent to its junction with the cylinder 39 has vpivotally mounted therein a plate 44., The plate 44 has a tab 45 formed integral therewith and is pivoted on a screw 46. i .i

The screw 46 also serves to retain a plate 41 on said boss to form a closure for the hole 42.

By means'of the tab 45, the plate may be rotated on its pivot to the position shown in Figures 1 and 8 to maintainthe ball 43 in engagee .-i

ment with the groove 28, and when the ball is so maintained-the cylinder 30 oscillates longitudinally as it is rotated. When it isk desired to disengage the ball 43 from the groove 28, by

means of the tab 45 the plate 44 may be swung if.:

tothe position shown in Figure 9, thereby freeing the ball from the groove 28y and allowing it to loosely move in the hole 42 as the cylinder 30 is rotated. When the cylinder is rotated at a high speecLthe .ball 43 will remain in contact with l the plate 4l. When the cylinder 3|] is in the position shown in Figure 3, the tab may be reached through an opening 48 formed in the end'wall 2|. It will be noted that when the cylinder 30 is in the position shown in Figure 3,

theflangeSl is adjacent to the wall4 2|.

The bushing 49, mounted in the wall 2|, has pivotally mounted therein a shaft 5l) having an angular extension 5|. Positioned outside of V.the

wall 2|, and secured to the shaft 50, is a lever 52 cylinder assembly 6| is applied to the wall or head 32, the studs 59 may pass through the holes 63, after which the cylinder may be angularly displaced `to bring the heads of the studs 59 over the slots 64 and thereby the cylinder assembly is retained'in positionv on the wall or head 32.

Any number of the headed studs may be ernployed; however, I prefer to usethree of these heads, spaced 120 apart, and have found that they serve admirably for locating the cylinder assembly 60 in substantially concentric relation with the boss 33 and the shaft 23.

The cylinder assembly 6D carries (Figure 2) a scoring knife assembly 65. This assembly is shown in detail in Figures 6 and 13, and consists of a plate 66 having a plurality of scoring blades 61 angular with respect to the axis of said plate and in parallel relation to each other, so that as the assembly 60 is rotated in a clockwise direction (in a counter-clockwise direction as seen in Figure 2), a vegetable positioned in the holder 68 will iirst be encountered by the scoring blades 61.

The groove 28 in the stationary cylinder 25 is so formed that at the time the blades 61 env counter the vegetable, the cylinder 30 and the cylinder assembly 60 carried thereby are, in addition to being rotated, moved longitudinally, with the result that the scoring blades 61 produce in the vegetable a plurality 4of substantially parallel scores which are angular with respect to the axis of the shaft 23. By the time this has occurred, the cylinder 30 and the assembly carried thereby has moved to its extreme outward position. This is the position shown in Figure 1. As the operator continues to rotate the cylinder 30 and the assembly carried thereby, the cylinder and the assembly are moved from the extreme outward positionsuch' as that shown in Figure 1, toward theV extreme inner or normal position.

A scoring knife assembly 69, Figures 7 and 14:,- which consists of a plate '|0, carrying a plurality of scoringdblades 'll angular with respect to the axis of the platelI and in parallel spaced relation to each other, is carried on the assembly 60,

as shown in Figure 2.

tion to the position shown in dotted lines. This causes the shaft 50 to rotate 180 degrees and position the extension 5| in front of the flange 3| to retain the cylinder 30 in its normal position, as shown in Figure 3. When this is done, the ball 43 is released by swinging the tab 45 (by reaching may be rotated. The handle 5l is secured to the During the return of the cylinder 30 and the assembly to its extreme near or normal position, the scoring blades'll Vproduce in the vegetable a'plurality of substantially parallel scores which are angular with4 respect to those previously produced by the scoring blades 61, thus in less than one-halffrevolution of the shaft 23 -the vegetable has been scored with a plurality of scores in each of two directions which 'are practically, at right angles ,to each other, so that to produce Idice it is only necessary to cut oil' the portion of the vegetable which has been scored.

A vcurvedcutting knife'12 is mounted over an opening I3 formed in the cylinderl, The back edge of the knife |2 is secured to the cylinder 6| along the boundary I3al of the openaanwas l the.. han 4a: being] released, asashqwmandilthe ing 13. A.'Ihe. other end? of .the-knife: '|12 (ther cutting end). isf'secured to. a.y zrshaped: bracket. 1:4.-by means of rivets oneof which is shown at;1;5.`

The bracket 14. is secured.: to `.thev boundary', '13b of'theopening A Vcurved-member-16ms mounted within the cylinder lrl,` lalso. spanning. the. opening 13 and serves to facilitate the dis-f. charge. of the diced vegetables from: the ma. chine. I

The member 1'6. may be secured to the boundary 13%.of the opening bymeans of rivets, 'onevofl which is ishown. at 11.. likewise, the end of the member 16, paralleling the boundary 13??"andv the Z-.shaped brackets, may be securedto 'the boundaryz13bby meansfof rivets one of `which is shown at 18. w y Y .It will be noted that the thickness ofthe wall of the cylinder v6| begins to |thicken at l'the point 19., and vis increasingly lthicker upto lthe boundary 13b. The increase `inthickness is on the outsidel of the cylinder, therefore, this increasingly thickened portion .acts as a cam to slightly raise the vegetable just` prior to the time the knife 12 cuts-off the thenjalready scored vegetable. y '.After the scoring `blades 1| have scored the vegetable whilev the assembly was rotated andV atthe same time moved back to its normal position asdescribed above, 'further rotation-causes the vegetable 'to cam Yup and the cutting knife 12' engages .the scored'vegetable 'and cuts offl the scorings which formdice. Thesedice pass outA endwise from the space between the member V16 and the knife 12. This camming up action makes sure that the vegetable is raised high enoughfcr; the knife 12 to encounter only scored portions of thevegetable.

The development of the vsurface of the cylinder assembly 60 is shown in Figure 15fand gives a good idea of the relative positions and'space relations of the scoring knife assemblies 66,10 and the cutting knife 12. moves relativelto the vegetable in the circumferential direction indicated by the solid arrow and moves axially in the directions indicated by the dotted arrows.

The vegetable holder 68 has a flat surface 80` anda Asecond hat surface 8| angular with respect thereto, one of vwhich serves as a backingv for the vegetable when rthe cylinder is scoring the vegetable inone direction, and thesurface 8| serving as a backing for the vegetable when the vscoring is being effected in vthe opposite direction. `When the cutting-olf Yoperation is eifected,the

vegetable is backed by both the surface B and'y the surface 8| which form a V with each other. The holder 68 extends through `an, opening formed in the Vtop wall 82 and maybe secured thereto by rivets 83. l The side walls`84, 85, recede toward thebottom endwise so that a shallow vessel maybe placed to receive the'diced vegetables discharged. A bottom plate 86 bridges ears 81,"88,formed integral vwith the side walls 84, 85, respectively, and securing members 89. serve to secure they plate 86 to the ear 81 and also to secure a rubberfoot 90 thereto. Likewise, a'securing member 9| secures the plate-86,' ear 88, and the 'rubber foot '90 together, The wall 2| is also lprovided With inwardly extendingfears," onev of fwhich is shown at`92, whichare securedv to plate 86 and to the rubber foot 90 byfa-fasteningmember 93.

Whenllthecylinderv andltheassembly vcarriedztherebyfisin the-position'shown in! Figure 43,

The cylinder surface nange. 3| being engaged by the Aextension o..l the; shaft. y5.11, the.` .cylinder 3.0 andthe assembly carried thereby can. only be. rotated and 1115.8

, longitudinal motion. due to. 'thenfactthatle;

iflange 3| is engaged bythe l extension rlsand also due' to they fact 'that the` ball; ..4.3iis disengaged from they .groove 28. The assemblyy-l; may berremoyed and other- `attachments maybe.: secured in operative position on thev wall; .or headY 32 .ofthe cylinder 30 for other operationsyvsnme' of which. attachments,l maybe adapted .for

ing operations only. l

In. the medieetion shown in rieuref-.l11,j.they

stationary cylinder 25*JL is not grooved,' as was the case with the cylinder 25. y The cylinder. 30.9: has agroove 28a formed internally,fanda plunger 94 .has a round nose adapted yto-fit the'groovei 28%.andiis reciprocable in a radial hole -formed'in the stationary cylinder v25s.v This plunger'imayf be slotted at its rmidpoint and alever- 95 isrpiyoi-f ally connected thereto bymeans of azpi-vot'pin'96'.'

The lever 9.5 is pivctallymounted-on a boss l91 by neansof a .pivot screw`98.v A spring 99, secured to thelinnerwall of the 'stationary'lcylinder 25%, bears against the,y lever 95 and 'urges thel plunger 91| `out `of Iengagement lwith the groove' 28a. The lever .95 has one end`|00 'extending through a hole |0| formed in the wall' 2|, andisv pivotally connected to `a link |02by means of a' pivot pin |03. i f

f The; upper endl .of .the-.rink :ma kis pivotally leennected tov the lever 52? by-means of a shouldered.

screw |04, said -screw'being displaced-:from the center of the shaft :50% ai' distance Aequal to ione--`l half voiithe swing of theiend |1001. of `thel'ever 95,-y'

treme-position to thefothenithe plunger 94,'if'dis-i engaged from kthe `groove .lawwill lengagelfthe same, orviceversa. It is'. obvious that when the i 1ever.52 isrotatedin this manner tto brin'gfthek plunger 94 into or out of engagement withv .theVV groovek 28a. .the shaft .extension`i5la will free ltheflange 31a when the plunger fenga'gesethe' groove, and willengage-the flange Bile-'when'.the plunge-ra isrreleased from the groove. l v L Inligure 12 the positionfof .thelever'52ashown in dottedV lines is the position in .which 'the -rouridlJ end .or nose o'f the plunger 94 is disengaged from;

joint between the Llink |02 .and the lever, -is-alsol moved'180 and arrivesat a position in wh-ichi'tv is :below'the shaft 50a and the link |02, which-isl pivotally connected to the end |00 of the 'lever-f 95, ismoved downwardly. This causes the plung= er 94 to move upwardly, as viewed in Figure 121,-.l

andits' round nose to engage the'groove'r28a.

yThe movementvof the leve'rf52a f-romits solidi position tov its position shown in dottedlinesf causes 'the' shaft "extension-5|a4l lto alsomove180 and pointy upwardly as shown inFige-rure 11.- This leaves the cylinder 30a-free'tofmove longitudinally in accordance-with the configura-s; tionof the groove28a. .In 'the modicationshown in Figure 16t'hei -wel feynnderi designated by ythe --numera1 std-eis provided fwith islots one fof Awhich isJ shown anvil"A designated 'by the numeralV I IDL .The Vscoring blades 'l-lfl'arefcarri'edon la base H2 which may bepreferably die cast. The base H2 ts the slot II'O an'd may besecured `therein in anyv suitable manner-for example, by means of screWs'one of whichis shown at H3."

-Theiblades I l l" are set in or molded in tothe baiseiHZ at the proper angles to effect the scoring of i the 'vegetable 'during the` longitudinal (and rotary shifts yof the cylinderfor example,' the scoring blade assembly-carrying blades to take the'place ofthe scoring blades 61, are angularly disposed relative to the axis ofthe basel l2 in the same relation as the scoring blades 61 are to the axis of-v the .assembly shown in Figure 6 and the scoring 'bladeassemblies carrying scoring blades to'ftaketheplace of'ftheblades 1|, are angularly disposed4 vto the ba'sexl I2` as the blades 'll are to the axisof-the base 1B, shown in Figure 7. This construction enables .either scoring blade assembly,- to be easily removed and replaced in case they becomedamaged.

@Although a simple embodiment of A,the invention ris herein shown 'and described by Way ofexample,A it :is obvious that many changes may be made in the device shown to produce Vprimarily the .eifectof parallel scorings by combined rotary and axial movement-Without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in theannexed claims. Y l

What is claimed is: o k Y 1. In a vegetable cutter, a frame having a base anda vportion substantially overhanging said base,

the end of the overhanging portion being open,

a cylinder rotatably carried in said frame, means for reciprocating said `cylinder axially as it 1rotates, a station having a V-shaped portion for.

otherglegof said V, means also carried by said' cylinder for cutting off'the scored portion ofsaid vegetable and thereby forming dice, and means carried in said cylinder for causing said dice Ato fall ,beyond the extremity of, said frame.

,V 2'. In a vegetable cutter, a frame, a shaft, bearings in said frame for supporting said shaft, ai.

station on said frame for locating a vegetable, a 'lrst` cylinder rotatably carried in said frame on said` shaftand overhanging said bearings, means forrotating said cylinder, means for cycli'ca-lly moving said cylinder axially as it rotates, a secondor'tool` cylinder detachablymounted lon said first cylinder in overhanging relation, a group'of parallel scoring blades carried by said second 'cyl-v inder for producing'scores insaid vegetables-,when

said Acylinders are moved axially in one directionv as they rotate, a second group of'paralleliscoring` blades carried by said second cylinder for producingothen scores'angular With respect to saidrst; scores as-said cylinders are `moved axially in an;

oppositeldirection as they rotate, means carried by said second cylinder' for cutting oil` the scored" portion of said vegetable, andimeans carried IbyY said second cylinder for causing the cut-off'portionsof the-vegetable to fall clear of said frame.

,-3z I n a vegetable cutteiga frame, a station 'on' Said frame for locating a vegetable,a p ropellableI`- cylinder rtatablycarried in said frame. means for'rotating'said cylinder, means for cyclically moving said cylinder axially during its rotation, a 'tool .cylinder 'detachably secured to said firstmentionedr cylinder, a group `ofparallel scoring bladesicarried by said'tool cylinder for producing scores in said vegetable during one cycle of axial motion. assaid cylinder rotates, a secondY group of parallel scoring blades carried by said tool cylinde'r ,spaced apart circumferentially from said first group for producing other scores in said vegetable;` angular.vv with respect to said first scores during a second, cycle of axial motion as said cylinderv rotates, a 4cutting-oif knife carried by saidcylinder and spaced apart circumferentially from said groups of scoring blades for cutting 01T the; scored portion" of saldi vegetable, and means carried in saidftool: cylinder for causing the cutoff yvegetables to discharge therefrom beyond the discharge end of said frame.'

, A. The invention according to claim 3 in which said--station for holding a vegetable is located on said vframe in azone traversed by both said groups of rscoringblades 'and said knife and has a V-shaped portion lagainst Which the vegetable rests,Whenbeillg'V scored and cut, whereby during one cycle of said axial motion the vegetable is backed up by one leg of the V, during the other cycle of said axial motion thevegetable is backed up by the other leg of the V, and during the time said knifeiscuttingoff thescored `portion of the vegetable said vegetable is backed up'byboth legs OfthCVf -r i. H

5; The inventionaccording t o claim 3 in which said station vfor holding a vegetable is located on saidA frame in a Vzone traversed by both said groups of scoring blades and said knife and has a V- shaped portion againstvwhich the vegetable rests When being scored and cut, the inclination of said station-being such that its angular relation to the tangential plane of the uppermost surface of the tool surface is greater than i f 6..-.In a vegetable cutter, in combination, a frame, a station on said frame 'including a V- shaped portion for locating a vegetable to be cut, Ia shaft supported in bearings in said frame, a rotor mounted on said shaft and having a tubular extension-projecting from one end thereof enclosing one end of said shaft, the terminus of said extension being closed, a key in said shaft engagingv the interior of said roto-r, whereby the lattermay be moved endwise on said shaft, means secured to lthe other end ofV said shaft for rotating the same, means partly on said rotor and partly in fixed relation to said frame for causing said. rotor as it rotates-tormove axially from its normal position during one portion of a revolution,kvto `move axially in an Opposite direction to return to its normal position during another portion of said revolution, and to-remain in its ncrmalfpositionduring the remainder of said revolutionand-toolsV carried on said rotor in spaced relation to each other for successively performing operations ;on said vegetable during the aforementioned portions off each revolution of said rotorfsaid V-shaped portionof said station positively backing. upfs'aid vegetable during each of said operations-and said tubular extension of said rotor serving to preventcut vegetables from comingjinfcontact with said first end of said shaft. Urla, vegetable cutter according to claim 6 in which thel rotoris comprised of a rst member associated Withsaid shaft, anda second member-detachably mounted on the first member and readilyV removable for Acleaning purposes, and in which said first member carries the part of said means partly on said rotor.

8. The combination according to claim 6 in Which the means partly in fixed relation to said frame is comprised of a stationary cylindrical member carrying vsaid bearings for the shaft and having a follow cam groove formed therein, and in which said means partly on said rotor is comprised of an engaging member engaging and following said follow cam groove.

9. The combination according to claim 6 in which said means partly on said rotor comprises a follow cam groove formed internally in a cylindrical portion of said rotor, and in which said means partly in fixed relation to said frame comprises an engaging member positionable in a fixed cylindrical member on said frame carrying said bearings for said shaft and adapted to be placed in engagement with said internal groove.

10. A vegetable cutter according to claim 6 in which the rotor is comprised of a member associated with said shaft and a second member detachably mounted on the rst member, and in which the said means partly on said rotor and partly in fixed relation to said frame may be disabled for cutting operations in which it is unnecessary for said rotor to move axially as it rotates.

` s 11. A vegetable cutter according to claim 6 in which the end of said rotor opposite said tubular extension has a'r'adial flange formed thereon, in which a member is provided `on said frame for engaging said flange and holding saidrrotor against axial movement, and in which means is associated with said member on said frame for disabling said means partly on said rotor and partly in fixed relation to said frame to cause said rotor to remain in its normal position in said frame during each complete revolution of said rotor.

12. In a vegetable cutter in combination, a frame, a station on said frame for locating a vegetable to be cut, a shaft, -a rotor, said rotor being comprised of a member associated with said shaft, and a second member detachably mounted on said first member, a cylindrical member fixedly mounted on said frame in concentric relation with said shaft, a continuous groove formed in the outer surface of said cylinder and comprising a follow cam, means on said first-mentioned member for engaging said groove and causing said rotor to move axially during certain portions of each revolution thereof, and tools carried on said second member for performing operations on said vegetable.

13. A vegetable cutter according to claim 12 in which said frame includes a flat top having an opening formed therein, and in which said station on said frame for locating a vegetable to be cut is secured to said fiat top spanning said opening, said opening being positioned in a zone traversed by said tools, said station having a V- shaped portion against which the vegetable rests when being operated upon, said V-shaped portion having flat sides which are inclined to each other at an angle of less than 90, said V-shaped portion also being inclined to the flat top of said frame at an angle greater than 90, whereby the tendency of the vegetable to move when engaged by said tools is minimized.

14. In a vegetable cutter in combination, a

frame, a station on said frame for locating the vegetable to be cut, a shaft, a stationary cylinder secured to said frame in concentric relation with lsaid shaft and including an outboard bearing for said shaft, a follow groove formed in said cylinder, a second cylinder adapted to nest on to said rst cylinder, said second cylinder being slidably keyed to said shaft and having a radial flange at one end thereof and having an enclosed tubular portion at the other end thereof fitting over said shaft for preventing oil or other lubricants from contaminating the vegetables after they have been cut, means on said second cylinder adjacent to said flange' adapted to be placed in cooperative relation with said groove for causing said second cylinder to move longitudinally on said shaft when the latter is rotated,.a third cylinder detachably mounted on said second cylinder and carrying a pair of groups of scoring blades in spaced relation with each other, and a cutting off knife spaced apart from said groups, said scoring blades being adaptedjto score said vegetable, and said cutting off knife`being adapted to cut off the scored portions of said vegetable, means for disassociating said means on said second cylinder from said groove in said first cylinder, and means carried on said frame for engaging said flange to prevent axial movement of said second cylinder.

l5. A vegetable cutter according to claim 14 in which said station for locating a vegetable to be cut includes a V-shaped portion, whereby when one of said groups of scoring blades is traversing said vegetable the latter is backed up by one leg of the V, when said second group of scoring blades is traversing the vegetable the latter is backed up by the other leg of said V, Iand when said cutting off knife is traversing the vegetable the latter is backed up by both legs of the V.

KUN O W, MESTERTON. 

